Career Trajectories in Physiotherapy: Student Aspirations and Preferences

Abstract Introduction: Physiotherapy is a vital component of healthcare, focusing on regaining and retaining the body’s movement and function. With growing demand for physiotherapy services due to increasing awareness, aging populations, and lifestyle-related disorders, the role of physiotherapists is evolving. Aspiring physiotherapists often make crucial career decisions during their undergraduate years, influenced by personal interests, market trends, and exposure to various specializations within the field. Understanding the aspirations and career preferences of undergraduate physiotherapy students is essential to designing educational programs that align with their professional goals and the healthcare system’s needs. Despite the increasing emphasis on postgraduate specialization and advanced training in physiotherapy, limited data on how undergraduate students perceive these opportunities and plan their careers exist. This study aims to explore the aspirations and career preferences of undergraduate physiotherapy students, along with their willingness to pursue further education and specialization in physiotherapy after completing their undergraduate degrees. Materials and Methods: A one-time survey study was used, using purposive sampling to collect data from 190 final-year and intern students at College of Physiotherapy, Pune. Data were gathered through a structured questionnaire designed to capture information on students’ future educational plans, preferred career paths, and primary sources of information influencing their decisions. Results: Analysis revealed that 178 students (94%) expressed a strong willingness to pursue further specialization or postgraduation in physiotherapy, indicating a high level of academic ambition within this cohort. Conversely, only 12 students (6%) reported no interest in continuing their studies beyond the undergraduate level. The preferred source of information about career options was university or college websites (36%), followed by mass media (20%). Among the various specializations, musculoskeletal physiotherapy was the most sought-after field. Career aspirations were notably diverse, with students aiming for roles in hospitals and private practice, reflecting a broad range of professional interests. Conclusion: The findings highlight a predominant inclination among undergraduate physiotherapy students toward higher education, emphasizing the demand for postgraduate programs in physiotherapy. The popularity of musculoskeletal specialization and the diverse career aspirations underscore the need for academic institutions to provide tailored guidance and resources to support students’ professional development.